See Paris from a great height!
by mazzap
The two highest points in Paris are the top of the Eiffel Tower and the top of the Montparnasse Tower.
The views are stunning from both. It is great to look across from each one and see the other too! So, if you are trying to decide which one - do both if you can! If time is not on your side, the Montparnasse Tower will definately have a shorter queue!
Ask elderly Parisians not the younger ones
by joiwatani
This is my personal experience that when I asked directions, I usually get kinder and more courteous answers from elderly Parisians than those younger ones. When I was asking for the direction of a particular restaurant where we were holding a VT Paris meeting, the more polite ones are the elderly Parisians.
Most taxi drivers are very helpful, too. But, it is really frustrating to ask anybody because they don't really try to speak English at all. So, it is best to have a map and a notebook all the time so you can write down the address and the person you are asking will read the address rather than trying to pronounce or saying it.
The streets in Paris are don't have the same signage as the United States. When you are driving, you cannot really see the street sign. Parisians are well-know to be arrogant and snobbish. But, defnitely, there are also nice Parisians especially the older ones. They kind of love to help in a way. They sometimes sit down on the benches on the streets and wait for the time to pass away...
Autumn in Paris ...
by shrimp56
I know the song goes "April in Paris...", but I'm one of those Paris-nuts who thinks any season is just fine!!! Here we have autumn 2004, with a view of the Seine and Places des Vosges. Watching the monuments and scenery change with the seasons and time of day ... preferably from a seat in a cafe!!
Kissy Kissy
by maritoni
I've encountered a middle eastern man who operates a store behind our hotel -as I was paying for my purchases of soda and water, he tried to make a small talk and asked where I am from -- my heritage - because he guessed incorrectly (all the countries in Asia he knew)... as I was about to leave, he tried to get a kiss from me - he practically leaned forward to kiss me! Goodness gracious! I bent my head at that instant and his lips landed in my head instead... I run out of there so quick and never came back...
I dont know if this is normal in the French Culture - but it is not in mine... Scarry is more the word.
Pack A Travel Alarm Clock
by CALSF
A typical Parisian hotel doesn't equip its rooms with alarm clocks as is standard in the US. You can always request the reception desk to set-up an automatic wake-up call if you need that. But if you wish to know the time in your room you need to bring a travel alarm clock with you. There are some brands that include feature a built-in flashlight also.